Critical success factors for the adoption of 3D printing to advance sustainable building projects

Abstract

Purpose 3D printing is transforming the construction industry by enabling precise fabrication, minimizing material waste and enhancing project efficiency through automated additive processes and advanced digital modelling. Despite its growing potential, the adoption of 3D printing in sustainable building projects (SBPs) remains limited and the factors driving successful implementation are not yet fully understood. This study addresses this knowledge gap by systematically identifying and classifying critical success factors (CSFs), thereby providing insights into the ways that 3D printing can advance sustainability goals and CSFs required for its effective deployment in SBPs. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method research design that combines a systematic literature review (SLR) (qualitative) with a bibliometric analysis (quantitative) was adopted to identify the CSFs for the implementation of 3D printing in SBPs. The SLR was executed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, utilizing Scopus as the principal indexing source for obtaining 72 peer-reviewed journal articles. Findings Emergent findings indicate a significant increase in published interest regarding the CSFs that affect the adoption of 3D printing in SBPs, highlighting a rapid growth of studies in this nascent domain. Additionally, key influential journals and the critical impact of cross-regional collaboration were clearly evident. Lastly, four key thematic gaps in knowledge were highlighted viz.: (1) insufficient real-world validation in large-scale construction, (2) lack of standardized metrics for assessing 3D printing performance, (3) intelligent and green building applications of 3D printing and (4) decision-making models for sustainable 3D printing adoption. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by the exclusive use of the Scopus database; therefore, future studies may incorporate multiple databases to provide a more comprehensive understanding of 3D printing adoption in SBPs. Practical implications The findings provide construction practitioners with a practical roadmap for implementing 3D printing in SBPs by identifying CSFs related to technology readiness, project management, sustainability orientation and regulatory support. Policymakers and industry stakeholders can utilize these insights to develop effective strategies, standards and incentives that facilitate the wider adoption of 3D printing in SBPs. Originality/value This study addresses the limited availability of comprehensive and up-to-date research examining the CSFs influencing the adoption of 3D printing in SBPs.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 2026 · DOI ↗